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THE  PASTORAL  OFFICE 


A 

SERMON, 

PREACHED  AT  PHILADELPHIA, 

BEFORE  THE 

ASSOCIATION  OF  THE  ALUMNI 

OF  THE 

THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY  AT  PRINCETON, 


ON 

WEDNESDAY  MORNING,  MAY  21,  1834. 


BY 

ARCHIBALD  ALEXANDER,  D.  D. 

PROFESSOR  OF  DIDACTIC  AND  POLEMIC  THEOLOGY,  ETC. 

IN  SAID  SEMINARY. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED  BY  HENRY  PERKINS, 

No.  159,  Chestnut  Street. 


1834. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/pastoralofficeseOOalex 


INTRODUCTORY  NOTE. 


ci 


During  the  session  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  in  1833,  it  was  resolved  by  a large  number  of  the  Alumni 
of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Princeton,  who  were  then  in  the 
city  of  Philadelphia,  to  form  an  Association  of  those  who  were  once 
students  in  that  Institution.  The  objects  of  this  Association  were 
determined  to  be  : to  renew  and  perpetuate  the  friendship  and  in- 
tercourse which  subsisted  among  them  when  fellow-students ; to 
promote  personal  piety  ; to  foster  the  spirit  of  missions  ; to  incite 
to  greater  diligence  in  the  work  of  the  ministry ; to  support,  as 
far  as  their  influence  can  be  auxiliary,  the  beloved  Institution  in 
which  they  received  their  Theological  education,  &c.  &c. 

One  of  the  means  which  were  deemed  best  calculated  to  accom- 
plish some,  if  not  all,  of  these  objects,  was  the  delivery  of  a sermon 
before  the  Association  at  its  regular  Annual  Meetings  during  the 
sessions  of  the  General  Assembly ; and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alexander 
was  unanimously  requested  to  preach  the  first  sermon.  This  he 
did  on  Wednesday  morning,  the  21st  of  May,  during  the  recent 
session  of  the  Assembly. 

After  the  delivery  of  the  sermon,  it  was  unanimously  resolved, 
“ That  the  thanks  of  the  Association  be  presented  to  Dr.  Alexander 
for  his  excellent  sermon,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  furnish  a 
copy  of  it  for  publication.”  And  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Barnes,  Baird 
and  Platt,  were  appointed  a committee  to  carry  this  resolution  into 


effect. 


In  obeying  the  wishes  of  the  Association,  the  Committee  have 
exceeded  what  wTas  at  first  intended.  They  have  thought  it  due  to 
the  cause  of  religion  in  general,  to  the  Seminary  which  we  all  love, 
and  to  the  Church  of  which  most  of  the  Alumni  are  ministers,  to 
give  this  sermon, — the  first  of  a series, — a wide  circulation.  They 
have,  accordingly,  determined  that  a copy  of  it  shall  be  sent,  not 
only  to  all  the  Alumni  of  the  Institution,  but  to  every  minister  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  free  of  expense  to  them,  save  the  postage 


o ££  a 


IV 


when  forwarded  by  mail.  The  expense  of  printing  more  than  two 
thousand  copies  has  been  sustained  chiefly  by  a few  of  the  Alumni, 
and  a few  distinguished  and  beloved  lay  brethren  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia.  The  Committee  have  also  caused  to  be  prepared  an 
engraved  likeness  of  the  author,  which,  they  are  sure,  will  be  ac- 
ceptable to  all  who  receive  it. 

For  pursuing  this  course  the  Committee  have  one  or  two  reasons 
to  assign,  in  addition  to  what  they  have  already  stated,  and  which 
they  are  confident  will  be  entirely  satisfactory. 

1.  The  sermon  itself  is  worthy  of  this  extensive  circulation,  and 
indeed  of  a far  larger  one.  It  discusses  a subject  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance to  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  abounds  in  rich  and  ma- 
tured instruction,  breathes  a spirit  of  deep,  and  truly  paternal 
affection  and  solicitude  for  those  who  were  once  the  pupils  of  its  au- 
thor, is  characterised  throughout  by  wisdom,  piety,  and  earnestness, 
and  is  expressed  in  that  perfect  simplicity  of  style  which  is  display- 
ed in  all  his  writings.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  reader  cannot 
enjoy,  as  he  peruses  it,  the  expressive  eye,  the  affectionate  and 
solemn  countenance,  the  thrilling  voice,  and  the  meek  and  paternal 
manner  which  accompanied  its  delivery. 

2.  The  Committee  believe  that  this  sermon  will  be  received  by  all, 
as  a pleasing  and  profitable  remembrancer  of  its  beloved  author, 
who  has  long  enjoyed,  as  he  has  well  deserved,  the  affections  of  his 
brethren,  and  sons,  (as  many  of  them  may  be  called,)  in  the  min- 
istry ; and  whose  piety,  prudence,  meekness,  kindness,  liberality, 
and  other  eminent  qualifications  for  the  office  which  he  fills,  and  has 
long  filled,  render  him  the  object  of  a respect,  on  the  part  of  all  who 
know  him,  which  borders  on  veneration.  That  his  life  may  be 
long  spared  to  be  a blessing,  under  God,  to  the  Church,  is  the 
sincere  and  continued  prayer  of  the  Committee. 


A 


SERMON, 

ETC.  ETC. 


John,  xxi.  16.  Feed  my  Sheep. 


Although  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  treated  all  His  disciples 
with  condescending  and  affectionate  familiarity,  yet  some  of 
them  He  distinguished  with  more  marked  attention,  and  with 
more  intimate  access  to  himself  than  the  rest.  On  what  ground 
this  preference  was  manifested,  it  is  not  for  us  to  inquire ; it 
is  sufficient  that  we  are  sure  that  all  His  actions  were  guided 
by  perfect  wisdom,  and  sprung  from  the  purest  motives.  Of 
the  whole  number,  John  only  had  the  appellation  of  ‘ the  dis- 
ciple whom  Jesus  loved;’  and  to  him  it  was  granted,  not  only 
to  be  present  at  those  interesting  scenes  in  our  Lord’s  life  and 
sufferings  which  were  exhibited  to  few  witnesses,  but  also  to 
lean  on  his  breast  at  the  sacred  supper,  and  to  receive,  as  a 
legacy,  the  charge  of  the  blessed  virgin  from  Jesus  while 
dying  upon  the  cross. 

But  Peter  also  received  many  marks  of  special  attention 
from  his  Master.  He  w7as  applauded  and  honoured  for  his 
noble  confession,  that  Jesus  was  the  Messiah,  the  Son  of  the 
living  God  ; was  severely  rebuked  for  his  cowardly  and  carnal 
policy  in  endeavouring  to  dissuade  his  Master  from  meeting  the 
sufferings  which  he  had  foretold;  was  forewarned  of  his  shame- 


6 


fill  and  ungrateful  denial  of  his  Lord,  and  was  the  object  of 
the  special  prayers  of  the  great  Intercessor,  that  his  faith  might 
not  entirely  fail  in  this  hour  of  temptation  and  discomfiture. 
And  when  he  had  verified  the  prediction  of  Jesus,  by  thrice 
denying  him,  he  was  brought  to  a penitent  sense  of  his  sin  by 
a reproving  but  gracious  look  from  his  suffering  Lord. 

After  the  resurrection,  also,  Peter,  notwithstanding  his  fall, 
was  not  overlooked.  The  angels  who  appeared  at  the  sepul- 
chre to  the  women,  charged  them  to  inform  his  disciples  of  the 
event,  and  Peter;  not  naming  any  other.  And  it  seems  that 
Christ  appeared  to  Peter  before  he  had  been  seen  by  any  other 
of  the  apostles.  And  here,  at  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  a place  con- 
secrated by  the  residence,  the  miracles,  and  sermons  of  Jesus, 
he  directed  his  conversation,  in  a very  special  manner,  to  Peter ; 
asking  him  three  times,  whether  he  loved  him,  and  at  each 
answer  giving  him  a charge  to  “ feed  his  lambs,”  or  to  “ feed 
his  sheep.” 

The  first  thing  which  claims  our  attention  in  these  words  is, 
the  tender  solicitude  which  the  great  Shepherd  feels  for  his 
flock ; a solicitude,  which  has  no  measure,  abatement,  or  ter- 
mination. “ A woman  may  forget  her  sucking  child,  but  I 
will  not  forget  thee,”  is  the  language  which  he  uses  to  them. 
In  life,  in  death,  and  after  his  resurrection,  he  still  bears  them 
on  his  heart ; just  as  the  high  priest  of  the  Jews  bore  the 
names  of  the  twelve  tribes  on  his  breast-plate,  when  he  ap- 
peared before  God. 

But  who  are  they  whom  Christ  denominates  “ my  sheep,” 
“my  lambs  ?”  They  are  undoubtedly  “ a peculiar  people,”  “ a 
chosen  generation.”  Christ  always  makes  a wide  distinction  be- 
tween his  sheep  and  the  rest  of  the  world.  They  are  the  elect 
people,  “whom  God  foreknew,  and  whom  he  predestinated 
to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  his  son : who  were  chosen  in 
Christ  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  they  should  be 
holy  and  without  blame  before  him  in  love” — “ being  predes- 
tinated to  the  adoption  of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself, 


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according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will” — “ to  the  praise  of 
the  glory  of  his  grace.”  They  are  the  persons  given  by  the 
Father  to  Christ,  not  one  of  whom  can  be  lost ; for  Christ  giv- 
eth  eternal  life  to  all  that  were  given  to  him.  (John,  x.  28.) 
“ And  I give  unto  them  eternal  life,  and  they  shall  never  per- 
ish ; neither  shall  any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand.”  They 
are  such  as  from  eternity  were  beloved  of  the  Father  and  the 
Son : for  whom  the  good  Shepherd  layeth  down  his  life.  “ I 
am,”  says  he,  “ the  good  Shepherd ; the  good  shepherd  giveth 
his  life  for  the  sheep.”  And  again,  “ I lay  down  my  life  for 
the  sheep.”  The  apostle  Paul  seems  to  have  had  the  words 
of  our  text  in  his  mind,  or  rather  the  sentiment  which  they 
express,  when  he  addressed  the  elders  of  Ephesus  in  this 
solemn  exhortation : “ Take  heed,  therefore,  unto  yourselves, 
and  unto  the  flock,  over  the  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made 
you  overseers,  to  feed  the  church  of  God  which  he  hath  pur- 
chased with  his  own  blood.”  This  is  that  “ little  flock,”  to 
which  it  is  the  “Father’s  good  pleasure  to  give  the  kingdom.” 

The  sheep  of  Christ  do  all,  sooner  or  later,  “ hear  his  voice 
and  follow  him.”  Before  he  goes  after  them,  to  call  them  by 
his  word  and  Spirit,  they  know  him  not,  although  they  are 
known  to  him.  During  this  time  of  ignorance,  they  wander 
far  from  the  fold,  and  the  pastures  of  the  good  Shepherd ; 
have  no  delight  in  his  word  and  service ; but  when  he  draws 
them  to  himself,  and  reveals  to  them  his  love  and  his  glory, 
they  leave  all  for  his  sake,  and  are  ready  to  follow  him  wher- 
ever he  goeth ; “ through  evil  report  and  good  report.” 

While  on  earth,  they  are  the  objects  of  his  special  care. 
For  their  sake  the  church  was  established ; and  all  its  ordi- 
nances and  institutions  are  intended  for  their  nourishment, 
growth,  and  consolation.  In  their  seasons  of  darkness  and 
tribulation,  He  never  forsakes  them ; but  his  arm  is  contin- 
ually stretched  out  for  their  protection,  against  the  ravenous 
beasts  of  the  wilderness,  which  are  ever  “ going  about,  seek- 
ing whom  they  may  devour.”  After  conducting  them  safely 


8 


through  the  perils  of  the  wilderness,  they  pass  “ the  valley 
and  shadow  of  death,”  under  his  guidance  ; but  even  there, 
“ they  fear  no  evil,”  for  He  is  with  them,  and  with  his  rod  and 
staff  he  comforts  them. 

From  what  has  been  said,  it  appears,  that  the  sheep  of 
Christ  are  now  in  three  states,  widely  different  from  each 
other.  One  part  are  not  yet  in  the  fold,  and  know  nothing  of 
the  good  Shepherd,  that  bought  them  with  his  blood.  Another 
part  are  in  the  church,  or  at  least  in  a state  of  grace,  and 
hear  the  voice  of  the  Shepherd,  and  follow  him ; but  are  still 
liable  to  many  diseases  and  disasters,  and  exposed  to  many 
fierce  and  powerful  enemies.  The  third  class  are  safely 
gathered  into  the  general  fold  above,  and  feast  in  celestial 
pastures,  where  no  ravening  beast  enters,  and  where  they  are 
exempt  from  all  disease,  and  from  all  danger. 

Another  prominent  truth,  in  these  words,  is,  that  love  to 
Christ — supreme  love  to  Christ — is  the  most  important 
qualification  of  a pastor  of  Christ's  flock.  The  question  is 
thrice  put,  44  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me  ?”  And  in 
each  case,  after  receiving  an  affirmative  answer,  the  Lord 
Jesus  commands  him  to  feed  his  sheep,  or  to  feed  his  lambs. 
Is  not  this  as  much  as  to  say,  none  are  qualified  to  feed  my 
sheep,  who  have  no  love  to  me?  And  the  thing  is  sufficiently 
evident  to  reason ; for  he  who  has  no  love  to  the  owner,  will 
have  no  real  regard  for  the  safety  and  health  of  the  flock. 
Among  men  of  the  world,  it  sometimes  happens,  that  one 
passion  becomes  so  strong,  that  it  nearly  swallows  up  all 
others.  Thus,  avarice  in  the  miser,  is  found  potent  enough  to 
counteract  the  strongest  propensities  of  nature.  Ambition, 
also,  in  others,  carries  all  before  it.  Every  thing  subserves 
the  one  pursuit,  or  yields  to  it.  Now,  such  should  be  the 
case  with  the  minister  of  the  Gospel.  The  love  of  Christ 
ought  so  to  predominate,  so  to  possess  his  mind,  and  to  bear 
him  along,  that  every  interfering,  or  opposing  principle, 
should  be  neutralized  or  extinguished.  This  should  suggest 


9 


all  his  plans,  guide  all  his  operations,  give  energy  to  all 
his  efforts,  and  afford  him  comfort  under  all  his  trials. 
Constrained  by  the  love  of  Christ,  he  should  cheerfully 
forego  all  the  comforts  of  ease,  affluence,  and  worldly  hon- 
our, to  serve  his  Master  in  places  far  remote ; or  far  re- 
moved from  public  observation.  This  holy  affection  should 
impel  him  to  undertake  the  most  arduous  duties,  and  en- 
counter the  most  formidable  dangers ; this  should  enkindle 
the  ardour  of  his  eloquence,  and  supply  the  pathos  of  his  most 
tender  addresses.  This  is  the  hallowed  fire  which  should  be 
kept  bright  and  burning  continually.  All  other  warmth  is  no 
better  than  " strange  fire.”  Nothing  but  the  love  of  Christ, 
can  make  a truly  faithful  pastor,  or  evangelist,  assiduous  in 
all  his  services,  and  indefatigable  in  the  most  private  and 
self-denying  duties  of  his  office.  Other  motives  may  lead  a 
man  to  great  diligence  in  preparing  for  his  labours  in  the 
pulpit,  where  splendid  eloquence  wins  as  much  applause  as 
any  where  else.  Other  motives  also  may  stimulate  a minister 
to  great  public  exertion,  and  give  him  all  the  appearance  of 
fervent  zeal  and  devotedness  to  God,  in  the  eyes  of  men  ; but  if 
supreme  love  to  Christ  be  wanting,  he  is,  after  all,  nothing ; 
or,  at  best,  a mere  “ sounding  brass  or  tinkling  cymbal.” 
Genius,  learning,  eloquence,  zeal,  public  exertion,  and  great 
sacrifices,  even  if  it  should  be  of  all  our  goods,  and  of  our  lives 
themselves,  will  be  accounted  of  no  value,  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord,  if  love  to  Christ  be  wanting. 

The  church  is  now  using  laudable  exertions  to  increase  the 
number  of  ministers ; but,  we  may  multiply  preachers ; we 
may  educate  them  well,  and  they  may  be  acceptable  to  the 
people;  but,  alas!  if  they  love  not  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Zion 
will  not  be  built  up.  The  great  harvest  will  not  be  gathered. 

But  I proceed  now  to  what  is  my  principal  object,  to  in- 
quire how  the  sheep  of  Christ’s  flock  should  be  fed.  Or,  in 
other  words,  to  give  an  outline  of  the  duty  of  a pastor  to  his 
flock. 


2 


10 


Our  blessed  Lord,  here  employs  two  words  to  signify  his 
flock,  “ lambs,”  and  “ sheep,”  that  it  might  appear,  that  he 
would  have  Peter,  and  other  pastors,  to  overlook  none,  how- 
ever weak  they  may  be.  He  also  uses  two  words  to  express 
the  duty  of  pastors,  in  taking  care  of  the  flock.  First,  he 
says,  (Zones  ra  a^lct  /*&,  feed  my  lambs  ; next,  he  says,  ss-ol^ctlu 
to,  zrgbGuTCL  px,  perform  the  office  of  a shepherd  to  my  sheep . 
The  only  reason  for  bringing  the  original  into  view  here  is, 
that  the  difference  between  the  extent  of  the  meaning  of  these 
twro  words,  is  not  preserved  in  the  English  version.  The 
second  word,  here  employed,  has  a much  more  extensive  sense 
than  the  other.  It  is  often  used  to  express  the  idea  of  govern- 
ment and  guidance,  as  well  as  feeding.  No  word  is  more 
common  with  classic  writers,  to  express  the  whole  duty  of  a 
king  in  governing  and  providing  for  his  people.  This  word, 
therefore,  properly  includes  the  whole  duty  of  a pastor  to  his 
flock. 

It  will  be  no  how  necessary  to  take  notice  here  of  the  ex- 
travagant claims  which  the  Romanists  found  on  this  text,  in 
favour  of  the  regal  power  of  their  pontiff,  over  the  whole 
church.  It  is  sufficient  to  observe,  in  regard  to  such  claims, 
that  no  one  would  ever  have  thought  of  looking  to  this  text 
for  support  to  them,  unless  there  was  a great  deficiency  of 
other  evidence. 

It  would  be  presumptuous  to  undertake  to  give  a full  view 
of  pastoral  duties,  in  the  time  allotted  for  this  discourse. 
Volumes  have  been  written  on  the  subject,  and  it  w^ould  not 
be  difficult  to  fill  many  discourses,  with  the  detail  of  the 
various  and  important  duties  of  the  pastoral  office ; but  my 
object  is  only  to  bring  forward  a few  things — a mere  outline, 
which  each  of  you  is  capable  of  filling  up  ; and  which,  I trust, 
you  do  fill  up,  not  merely  in  theoretical  knowledge,  but  in  the 
daily  practice  of  the  duties  of  your  office. 

1.  This  duty  of  feeding  the  sheep  of  Christ,  implies,  that 
we  should  endeavour  to  gather  them  into  the  fold,  and  intro- 


11 


duce  them  to  the  pastures  which  he  has  provided.  Christ 
said  to  the  Jewish  people,  “ other  sheep  I have  which  are  not 
of  this  fold.  Them  also  I must  bring.”  He  meant  the  people 
whom  he  had  chosen,  who  were  then  scattered  among  the 
heathen,  in  different  countries.  These  were  not  of  the  Jewish 
fold,  but  they  were  his  sheep.  They  were  not  yet  brought 
home,  and  had  not  yet  heard  his  voice,  but  he  claims  them  as 
his  own.  To  gather  in  these,  was  the  first  object  of  the  min- 
istry of  the  apostles.  “ Go,”  says  Christ,  in  giving  the  com- 
mission, “ Go  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to 
every  creature.”  “ Go  teach,  o»r  make  proselytes,  of  all  na- 
tions;” and,  accordingly,  “ they  went  every  where,  preaching 
the  word,”  and  the  Lord  was  with  them,  and  great  was  the 
company  of  disciples.  The  sheep  were  now  gathered  into  the 
fold  of  Christ  by  thousands.  The  Gospel  net  was  seldom  cast 
in  vain,  but  under  the  direction  of  the  Master,  it  inclosed  a 
multitude  of  men.  And  why  may  we  not  hope  to  see  similar 
effects  from  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  accompanied  by  the 
out-pouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  these  latter  days.  Most 
assuredly,  if  the  world  is  to  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of 
God  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea ; if  all  nations  are  to  be  given 
to  Christ  as  his  inheritance ; if  all  shall  know  the  Lord,  from 
the  least  to  the  greatest,  then  the  ingathering  of  souls  in  all 
former  seasons,  is  nothing  more  than  the  first-fruits  of  the  glo- 
rious harvest  which  is  yet  future.  God’s  arm  is  not  short- 
ened that  it  cannot  save ; the  Word  has  lost  nothing  of  its 
energy ; and  the  residue  of  the  Spirit  is  with  him.  Why  then 
are  we  so  unbelieving,  and  so  easily  discouraged,  as  though 
Zion  would  never  arise ; as  though  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles 
would  never  come  in ; as  though  the  promise  would  never  be 
fulfilled,  that  all  Israel  shall  be  saved? 

If  this  good  work  had  been  prosecuted  as  it  was  begun,  by 
this  time,  there  would  have  been  none  left  in  the  wilderness  ; 
the  whole  world  would  before  now  have  been  included  in  the 
visible  church.  But  alas ! although  the  church  has  changed 


12 


its  situation,  yet  it  is  doubtful  whether  it  is  much  more  exten- 
sive than  at  the  close  of  the  apostolic  age.  Much  the  greater 
part  of  the  world  is  still  unoccupied  ground ; and  the  commis- 
sion to  go  into  all  the  world  to  call  in  the  lost  sheep,  has 
devolved  upon  the  present  ministry,  in  all  its  force.  This 
long-neglected  duty,  has  of  late  engaged  the  attention  of  the 
church,  and  some  have  felt  the  constraining  obligation  of  the 
divine  command,  and  have  gone  forth,  to  preach  the  Gospel 
among  the  heathen.  (May  the  King  of  Zion  prosper  them  in 
their  work !)  But  still  little,  comparatively,  has  been  done. 
Professing  Christians,  in  general,  are  not  as  deeply  interested 
in  promoting  this  object  as  they  should  be.  Ministers  are  not 
sufficiently  impressed  with  the  duty  which  is  incumbent  on 
them.  The  lost  sheep  ought  to  be  gathered  from  the  east  and 
the  west,  and  the  north  and  the  south ; but  when  the  inquiry 
is  made,  “ Who  will  go  for  us  ?”  we  do  not  hear  a sufficient 
number  promptly  saying,  “ Here  are  we,  send  us.” 

This  is  undoubtedly  the  most  important  and  glorious  work, 
about  which  the  minds  of  men  can  be  occupied.  All  other 
enterprizes,  whether  scientific,  political,  or  economic,  termi- 
nate on  some  benefit  or  convenience  which  relates  only  to 
temporal  things ; but  the  conversion  of  the  world  to  Christi- 
anity is  connected  with  the  eternal  welfare  of  mankind,  and 
at  the  same  time,  would  promote  their  happiness  in  this  life, 
more  than  all  other  causes  which  can  be  put  into  operation ; 
for  “ godliness  hath  the  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is;  as  well 
as  of  that  which  is  to  come and  is  in  all  respects  the  greatest 
gain.  And  this  great  and  glorious  work  is  predestinated. 
The  Scriptures  must  be  fulfilled,  and  God  is  able  to  accom- 
plish all  his  richest  promises  to  the  church.  This  dark  world 
shall  be  enlightened.  This  corrupt  world  shall  be  regenerat- 
ed. This  confused  and  deformed  world  shall  be  restored  to 
order  and  clothed  with  beauty ; and  this  miserable  world  be 
filled  with  joy  and  rejoicing.  Glorious  things,  indeed,  are 
spoken,  in  the  volume  of  God’s  prophecies,  respecting  Zion  : 


12 


she  shall  become  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth,  and  all  nations 
shall  unite  in  calling  her  blessed.  And  these  extraordinary 
benefits  shall  be  conferred  by  the  preaching  of  the  everlasting 
Gospel ; and  this  inestimable  treasure  is  not  committed  to  an- 
gels, but  to  men.  You  are  the  ambassadors  of  Christ,  by 
whom  a rebellious  world  is  to  be  reconciled.  You  are  of  the 
number  of  the  workmen  by  whom  this  spiritual  temple  is  to 
be  built ; and  as  your  season  of  labour  is  circumscribed  within 
narrow  limits,  it  behooves  you  to  work  the  work  of  God  while 
the  day  lasts,  for  the  night  cometh  on  apace,  when  no  man 
can  work.  You  will  never  have  another  opportunity  to  glo- 
rify your  Lord  upon  earth.  Whatever  you  may  do,  others 
will  arise  who  will  be  honoured  with  glorious  success  in  the 
advancement  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom.  The  sheep  must 
be  gathered  into  the  fold,  and  the  good  Shepherd  will  cause 
them,  even  from  the  ends  of  the  earth,  to  hear  his  voice  and 
follow  him.  Happy,  indeed,  will  those  pastors  be,  who  when 
He  appeareth,  shall  be  able  to  exhibit  a multitude  converted 
by  their  ministry. 

And  when  missionaries  offer  themselves,  there  is  not  that 
promptness  in  the  churches,  to  contribute  liberally  to  their 
support  which  is  desirable.  And  perhaps  there  is  not  always 
that  self-denial  and  readiness  to  endure  hardship,  in  the  mis- 
sionary, which  the  nature  of  the  service  requires.  There 
ought  to  be  more  expedients  to  lessen  the  expenses  of  our 
missionary  stations ; for  upon  the  scale  of  expense  on  which 
they  have  been  conducted,  it  is  certain,  that  operations  of 
this  kind  must  be  circumscribed  within  very  narrow  bounds. 

If  the  Christian  church  felt  her  obligations  to  her  Lord  and 
Redeemer  as  she  ought,  the  whole  body  would  be  like  a great 
missionary  society,  whose  chief  object  was  to  spread  the  Gos- 
pel over  the  whole  world. 

It  was  the  last  public  act  of  a greatly  respected  and  highly 
gifted  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  personally  known  to  many  of  you. 


14 


and  by  character  to  you  all,  when  on  his  death-bed,  and  when 
heart  and  flesh  were  failing,  to  dictate  a set  of  resolutions*  to  be 
laid  before  the  General  Assembly  of  our  Church,  the  object  of 
which  was,  to  make  a public  and  solemn  declaration,  that  the 
Church  consider  herself  as  a great  missionary  society,  insti- 
tuted for  the  conversion  of  the  world ; and  that  henceforth  she 
would  make  that  her  great  object.  The  Moravians  have  ef- 
fected more  than  all  other  protestants,  although  few  in  num- 
ber, because  they  have  made  the  extension  of  the  Redeemer’s 
kingdom,  the  primary  object  of  their  association. 

But  how  many  of  Christ’s  sheep  may  be  still  uncalled  in 
our  own  land  ? Is  there  zeal  enough,  and  exertion  enough,  in 
supplying  the  destitute  around  us,  and  in  our  frontier  settle- 
ments, with  the  means  of  grace  ? Are  not  large  districts  of 
country  lying  desolate,  as  it  relates  to  the  institutions  and  in- 
structions of  religion  ? Consider,  dear  brethren,  what  should 
be  done,  and  what  duty  devolves  upon  each  of  you  in  this  re- 
spect. Foreign  missions,  and  home  missions,  ought  never  to 
be  viewed  as  rival  or  interfering  objects.  They  are  only 
different  departments  in  the  same  great  field  of  labour ; and 
success  in  the  one  has  a direct  tendency  to  promote  the  pros- 
perity of  the  other. 

2.  Next,  let  us  consider  the  manner  in  which  the  sheep, 
when  gathered  into  the  fold,  should  be  fed.  The  word  of 
God  is,  in  general,  the  food  with  which  his  people  must  be 
fed.  The  knowledge  of  the  truth,  is  the  proper  nutriment  of 
the  spiritual  life. 

Now,  to  feed  the  flock  of  God,  the  pastor  must  understand 
the  Scriptures.  And  he  must  feel  in  his  own  soul  the  expe- 
rience of  the  efficacy  of  the  truth.  “ For  if  the  blind  lead  the 
blind,  will  not  both  fall  into  the  ditch?”  A guide  of  the 


* 


* The  reference  is  to  the  Resolutions  dictated  by  the  late  lamented  Rev.  Dr. 
John  H.  Rice,  during  his  last  painful  illness. 


15 


children  of  God,  ought  to  have  a deep  and  rich  experience  of 
the  manifold  grace  of  God ; and  should  be  well  acquainted 
with  the  various  cases  of  conscience,  which  are  common 
among  the  sheep  of  his  pasture.  His  very  soul  should  be  im- 
bued with  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel.  And  he  should  be  of  a 
very  tender  and  compassionate  disposition,  towards  all  per- 
sons labouring  under  trouble  of  mind. 

To  feed  the  church  of  God,  it  is  necessary,  that  the  Truth 
of  the  Gospel  be  preached.  Error  can  never  nourish  the 
soul.  Error,  even  wThen  mingled  with  truth,  is  like  poison  in 
our  food.  It  is  a thing  much  to  be  dreaded  and  avoided,  to 
preach  what  is  not  true;  or,  what  God  has  never  commanded 
us  to  teach.  The  pastors  of  Christ’s  flock,  have  the  strongest 
motives  to  induce  them  to  “ take  heed  to  themselves  and  to  their 
doctrine.”  They  should  be  exceedingly  solicitous  to  know 
what  the  truth  is,  not  only  for  their  own  sakes,  but  for  the 
sake  of  the  people ; and  when  they  do  know  the  revealed  will 
of  God,  wo  be  unto  them,  if  they  do  not  preach  it  faithfully. 

The  whole  counsel  of  God  should  be  declared.  Nothing 
that  can  be  profitable  should  be  kept  back.  The  scribe  well 
instructed  in  the  kingdom  of  God,  brings  out  of  his  treasure 
things  new  and  old.  The  Old  Testament  and  the  New  ; the 
law  and  the  gospel ; the  promises  and  the  precepts ; the  pre- 
dictions and  the  histories  ; the  justice  and  the  grace  of  God  ; 
— in  short,  every  thing  which  the  Scriptures  have  it  as  their 
object  to  reveal,  we  must  preach.  Yet,  as  in  every  system, 
while  all  parts  are  necessary  in  their  place,  some  are  more 
absolutely  essential,  and  occupy  a more  central,  and  more 
prominent  place ; so,  in  the  system  of  Scriptural  doctrines, 
some  truths  must  be  made  more  conspicuous  than  others  ; and 
must  be  more  frequently  and  earnestly  inculcated,  because  on 
the  knowledge  of  these,  salvation  is  suspended.  But  every 
part  of  divine  revelation  should  receive  proper  attention. 
The  people  need  to  be  instructed  in  all  that  God  has  revealed 
for  the  edification  of  his  church. 


16 


The  word  of  God  must  be  exhibited  in  its  genuine  simplic- 
ity. The  babes  of  Christ  grow  and  thrive  only  by  the  “ sin- 
cere,” (i.  e.  untainted,  unmixed,)  “ milk  of  the  word.”  This  ce- 
lestial nutriment  will  not  bear  to  be  mixed  with  human  inven- 
tions and  philosophy,  without  great  injury.  There  should  be 
no  adulteration  of  the  truth.  No  diluting  of  it.  No  combina- 
ation  of  it  with  things  foreign  to  its  nature.  Clear,  sound, 
simple  expositions  of  divine  truth,  should  form  the  basis  of 
the  pastor’s  instructions  from  the  pulpit. 

The  truth  should  be  preached  in  a discriminating  manner, 
with  adaptation  to  the  state  and  capacities  of  the  particular 
flock  to  which  it  is  addressed,  and  with  seasonable  and  power- 
ful application. 

A mere  general  exhibition  of  the  truth,  without  skilfully 
dividing  it,  so  as  to  give  every  one  his  proper  portion,  is 
such  a method  of  feeding  the  sheep  of  Christ,  as  will  bring 
shame  on  him  who  thus  dispenses  the  word.  What  should  we 
think  of  the  skill  and  fidelity  of  a physician,  who  should  mix 
up  good  medicines  and  dispense  them  indiscriminately  to  all 
the  patients  in  a hospital  ? Very  much  like  this  is  the  con- 
duct of  the  preacher  who  deals  out  the  word  of  God,  with- 
out regard  to  the  different  characters  of  his  hearers.  Care- 
less sinners  must  be  awakened  and  persuaded  by  having 
the  terrors  of  the  Lord  set  before  them.  The  watchman 
must  not  fail  to  sound  the  alarm,  and  testify  against  the  sins 
of  the  people.  “ He  should  cry  aloud  and  spare  not.”  For 
if  he  fail  of  being  faithful,  their  blood  will  be  required  at  his 
hands.  (Ezek.  iii,  17-21.) 

Gainsayers  must  be  convinced,  and  their  mouths  stopped 
with  solid  argument.  And  yet  we  must  instruct  those,  who 
oppose  themselves,  with  meekness.  “ The  weapons  of  our 
warfare  are  not  carnal.”  “ The  servant  of  the  Lord  must  not 
strive,”  but  yet  he  must  “ earnestly  contend  for  the  faith  once 
delivered  to  the  saints.”  The  ignorant  must  be  instructed- 


17 


The  babes  in  Christ  must  be  fed  with  milk ; the  mature  be- 
liever with  strong  meat. 

The  mourner  must  be  comforted,  and  the  weak  and  faint 
supported  and  refreshed,  with  an  application  of  the  free  and 
gracious  promises  of  God. 

But  in  order  to  adapt  his  instructions  to  the  various  classes 
of  persons  in  his  charge,  and  to  meet  the  various  exigencies 
of  the  people,  the  pastor  must  descend  from  the  pulpit ; he  must 
follow  his  flock  to  their  homes.  He  must  teach  not  only  “ pub- 
licly,but  also  “ from  house  to  house.”  He  must  find  out,  by 
personal  acquaintance,  the  wants  and  diseases  of  mind  under 
which  they  suffer.  He  must  patiently,  assiduously  and  per- 
severingly  set  himself  to  feed  the  sheep  of  Christ ; and  not  to 
overlook  the  “ lambs,”  who  are  first  mentioned  in  our  Lord’s 
charge  to  Peter.  It  matters  not  whether  by  these  we  understand 
the  weak  in  faith,  or  those  of  tender  age ; both  must  be  care- 
fully nourished.  The  youth  form  the  most  interesting  part  of 
the  flock  of  every  pastor.  On  them  rest  the  hopes  of  the 
church.  They  must  soon  stand  in  the  places  of  their  fathers. 
They  will  very  shortly  have  the  whole  concerns  of  the  church 
of  Christ  in  their  hands.  How  important  is  it  then,  that 
they  be  trained  up  in  the  way  they  should  go ; “ brought  up 
in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.” 

Among  all  the  “signs  of  the  times”  which  are  encouraging, 
there  is  no  one  more  calculated  to  inspire  hope,  than  the  atten- 
tion paid  to  youth  in  Sabbath  schools,  and  in  catechetical 
and  Bible  classes. 

This  is,  indeed,  to  begin  to  build  on  a good  foundation.  If 
we  would  have  the  tree  to  grow  strait,  we  must  attend  to  it 
when  young  and  tender.  Let  these  efforts  then  be  continued 
and  multiplied.  This  is  so  far  a compliance  with  the  com- 
mand of  Christ,  “ feed  my  lambs.” 

By  means  of  Sunday  schools,  now  so  widely  extended  over 
the  church,  the  faithful  pastor  is  furnished  with  a troop  of 
auxiliaries,  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duty,  unknown  to 

3 


18 


our  fathers,  and  which  should  be  appreciated  as  one  of  the 
distinguishing  blessings  which  God  has  granted  to  his  church 
in  our  days.  That  pastor  who  does  not  cherish  and  patronize 
this  catholic  institution,  manifests  an  ignorance  or  indiffer- 
ence in  regard  to  the  welfare  of  the  lambs  of  his  flock,  little 
consistent  with  sincere  love  and  fidelity  to  the  great  Shep- 
herd. The  superintendence  of  these  schools,  within  the 
bounds  of  his  charge,  properly  belongs  to  the  pastor,  and  his 
assisting  elders ; and  when  the  actual  duties  are  transferred 
to  other  competent  hands,  the  direction  and  government 
should  remain  with  him.  But  I must  not  omit,  what  has  long 
been  with  me  a favourite  opinion,  that  these  Sunday  schools 
should  include  persons  of  all  ages : all  your  people,  even 
though  grey-headed,  should  be  in  a course  of  regular  instruc- 
tion. The  truth  is,  that  most  adults  need  to  have  the  same 
lessons  inculcated,  which  are  given  to  the  children.  This, 
moreover,  is  no  impracticable  theory.  The  experiment  has 
been  tried,  in  a number  of  congregations  in  Massachusetts, 
and  the  result,  as  far  as  is  known,  is  delightful.  It  is  not 
necessary  for  adult  men  and  women  to  be  catechised  as 
children  are,  but  they  might  be  formed  into  classes ; might 
appoint  a leader,  or  take  this  office  in  turn,  and  might  pre- 
pare a certain  number  of  chapters,  on  the  contents  of  w hich 
they  might  freely  converse,  for  an  hour  or  two ; and  such  as 
desired  it,  might  be  permitted  to  propose  questions,  to  be 
answered  on  the  spot,  or  to  be  reserved  until  the  next  meet- 
ing. We  are,  in  fact,  all  children,  while  in  this  world,  and 
need  to  learn  something  from  God’s  word  every  day ; and 
such  an  employment  would  fill  up  the  vacant  hours,  and 
enliven  the  spirits  of  the  aged,  when  they  are  so  apt  to  become 
torpid,  for  want  of  interesting  objects  of  attention.  And  I 
verily  believe,  that  it  wTould  be  the  means  of  preserving  their 
powers  from  sinking  into  dotage. 

And  if  parents  could  be  induced  to  co-operate  more 
zealously  in  this  work;  if  mothers,  especially,  would  be 


19 


persuaded  to  be  more  earnest  and  assiduous  in  instilling 
divine  truth  into  the  infant  mind,  who  can  tell  what  a re- 
formation might  be  wrought  in  one  age  ? And  I cannot 
but  hope,  that  maternal  affection,  which  is  one  of  the  strong- 
est as  well  as  tenderest  feelings  implanted  in  the  human 
constitution,  begins  already  to  be  directed  into  its  appropriate 
channel.  The  existence  and  success  of  “ Maternal  Associa- 
tions” intended  for  the  mutual  assistance  of  pious  mothers,  en- 
courages me  to  believe,  that  this  powerful  and  inextinguish- 
able yearning  of  the  maternal  heart,  the  nature  and  force  of 
which  mothers  only  can  appreciate,  is  about  to  be  sanctified 
to  the  great  object  of  promoting  early  piety,  and  sowing  the 
seed  which  may  ripen  into  religion  in  mature  age,  when  this 
effect  fails  in  earlier  life.  If  I were  called  on  to  declare  what 
means  of  conversion,  beside  public  preaching,  had  been  most 
blessed  of  God,  I should  unhesitatingly  answer,  maternal 

INSTRUCTION. 

The  pastor  of  a flock  may  well  be  compared  to  the  physi- 
cian of  a hospital.  It  is  important  for  him,  as  far  as  possible, 
to  know  the  case  of  each  individual  under  his  charge ; and 
especially  to  search  out  such  as  are  labouring  under  peculiar 
maladies.  He  must  not  only  be  ready  to  visit  his  people,  but 
prompt  to  enter  into  religious  conversation  with  them.  Not 
merely  of  a general  and  uninteresting  kind,  but  relative  to 
their  own  state, — their  various  spiritual  troubles,  conflicts  and 
temptations  ; and  having  learned  the  cases  of  spiritual  disease, 
he  should  study  them  with  care,  and  bring  them  specially  and 
individually  before  the  Throne  of  Grace;  and  should  not 
cease  to  visit  such  persons,  however  weak  and  erroneous 
their  views  may  be.  And  even  if  they  seem  to  derive  no  bene- 
fit from  his  conversation,  he  must  not  forsake  or  neglect 
them.  Like  a kind  physician,  he  must  show  his  sympathy, 
when  he  can  apply  no  effectual  remedy. 

The  sick,  also,  he  must  visit,  and  deal  with  them  faithfully, 


20 


skilfully  and  tenderly,  according  to  their  respective  characters 
and  states  of  mind. 

The  poor  of  the  flock  must  never  be  forgotten  by  the  faith- 
ful pastor.  Many  of  the  most  precious  of  Christ’s  sheep  and 
lambs,  are  found  in  this  class.  “ God  hath  chosen  the  poor  of 
this  world,  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom.”  It  was 
a distinguishing  proof  that  Jesus  was  the  true  Messiah,  “ that 
the  poor  had  the  gospel  preached  unto  them.”  And  when 
the  other  apostles  had  no  other  instruction  to  give  Paul,  they 
earnestly  requested,  that  he  would  “ remember  the  poor.” 
“The  same,”  says  he,  “which  I also  was  forward  to  do.” 
Religious  influence  is  said  rather  to  ascend  than  descend.  It 
is,  I believe,  a fact,  that  a pastor’s  influence  over  the  higher 
classes  of  society,  will  be  greater,  if  he  pays  chief  attention  to 
the  poor,  than  if  he  assiduously  courted  the  rich.  The  poor 
are  much  more  accessible  than  the  rich,  who  are  fenced  round 
by  so  many  forms  of  etiquette,  that  to  address  them  personally 
and  pointedly,  is  considered  as  a want  of  good  manners ; but, 
generally,  the  poor  can  be  approached  without  danger  of  giv- 
ing offence ; and  they  consider  the  attentions  of  a minister  as 
a condescension  and  favour.  They  also  need  religious  instruc- 
tion more  than  others,  because  their  time  is  commonly  com- 
pletely occupied  and  their  education  defective.  It  is  of  high 
importance  to  guard  the  poor  against  habits  of  idleness  and 
intemperance.  These  vices  are  the  source  of  most  others. 
To  which  may  be  added,  the  spending  of  the  Lord’s  day  in  an 
improper  manner.  No  evil  is  more  threatening  in  free  coun- 
tries than  the  increase  of  pauperism : unless  a check  can  be 
given  to  it  in  England,  the  country  must  be  ruined ; and  its 
progress  here  is  alarming.  Pastors  have  more  in  their  power, 
in  regard  to  this  branch  of  political  economy,  than  any  other 
class  of  men.  Experience  has  fully  shown  the  inefficacy  of 
legal  provision  for  the  poor.  The  true  remedy  can  only  be 
found  in  raising  their  character,  by  instilling  into  their  minds 
sound  religious  instruction.  There  is  a culpable  negligence, 


21 


in  most  of  our  churches,  in  making  suitable  provision  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  poor.  In  most  Protestant  churches  in 
our  large  cities,  you  see  very  few  of  the  poorest  of  the  people. 
They  have  no  place,  and  they  are  ashamed  to  appear  in  such 
gay  assemblies,  with  their  tattered  garments.  It  is  said,  that 
in  no  country  in  the  world,  is  there  such  an  exhibition  of  gay 
clothing  in  the  house  of  God,  as  in  these  United  States.  Does 
not  this,  in  connexion  with  what  has  been  said,  deserve  the 
attention  of  the  pastor  ? I consider  unbounded  luxury,  in 
dress,  furniture,  and  equipage,  as  one  of  our  crying  sins. 

Here,  it  would  be  in  place,  to  speak  of  the  exercise  of  Chris- 
tian discipline,  if  time  would  admit  of  our  taking  up  this  in- 
teresting subject.  But  we  must  pass  it  over  with  one  or  two 
remarks. 

All  discipline  is  intended  for  edification,  and  not  for  des- 
truction. Even  when  one  who  had  been  in  the  church,  was 
delivered  to  Satan  for  the  destruction  of  the  flesh,  the  end 
aimed  at  was,  that  “ the  spirit  might  be  saved  in  the  day  of 
the  Lord  Jesus.” 

Discipline,  seasonably  and  faithfully  administered,  would 
produce  a most  salutary  effect.  It  would,  indeed,  sometimes 
offend  the  pride,  and  rouse  the  wrath  of  false  professors ; but 
by  this  means  they  are  led  to  manifest  their  true  character, 
and  show  what  manner  of  spirit  they  are  of.  But  on  the 
minds  of  sincere  believers,  though  erring,  discipline  will  gene- 
rally, sooner  or  later,  produce  the  happiest  effects.  They 
may  wince  under  the  rod ; and,  for  a time,  a rebellious  spirit 
be  manifested,  as  when  a child  is  corrected ; but  if  the  rod  of 
discipline  be  applied  in  a firm  and  judicious  manner,  the  proud 
spirit  bends,  and  humble  penitence  ensues.  But,  when  I 
speak  of  discipline,  I take  the  word  in  its  full  latitude.  I do 
not  mean,  principally,  the  arraigning  of  church  members  be- 
fore the  church,  or  church  courts.  This  is  the  last  resort, 
and  should  never  be  used  till  other  methods  have  proved  inef- 
fectual. That  discipline  which  is  most  likely  to  be  salutary,  is 


22 


that  of  personal  admonition  and  reproof.  If  when  a brother  com- 
mits a fault,  he  should  be  admonished  for  it  by  anyone  who  is  the 
witness  of  it ; or  if  the  pastor,  or  some  of  his  assistants  in  gov- 
ernment, would  go  to  an  offending  brother,  and  affectionately 
warn,  exhort,  or  rebuke  him,  as  the  case  might  require ; how 
much  evil  might  be  prevented ! * “ Let  the  righteous  smite 
me,  it  shall  be  as  an  excellent  ointment,  which  shall  not  break 
my  head.”  The  pastor,  by  a vigilant  inspection  of  his  flock, 
might  observe  the  incipient  tendency  to  go  astray,  and  by 
using  what  may  be  with  propriety  called,  preventive  disci- 
pline, they  might  be  entirely  restrained  from  wandering,  or 
reclaimed  as  soon  as  they  had  begun  to  deviate  from  the  right 
path.  The  true  way  to  prevent  the  disagreeable  necessity  of 
formal  trials  before  church  courts,  is  to  be  faithful  and  vigi- 
lant in  administering  that  discipline  which  consists  in  a per- 
sonal application  of  the  truth  of  God,  to  such  as  are  beginning 
to  slide.  And  this,  though  peculiarly  incumbent  on  pastors, 
and  other  officers  of  the  church,  is  not  confined  to  them.  To 
neglect  it  towards  any  brother,  even  under  the  Mosaic  econo- 
my, was  reckoned  equivalent  to  hating  him.  And  there  is 
nothing  in  the  way  of  exercising  this  discipline,  but  culpable 
pride,  and  a weak  tenderness,  or  aversion  to  give  present 
pain,  though  the  effect  should  be  ever  so  salutary.  “ Reprove, 
rebuke,  and  exhort,  with  all  long  suffering  and  doctrine.” 

1.  If  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep  took  so  lively  an 
interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  flock  when  he  was  upon  earth — 
if  they  were  peculiarly  his  object  when  he  endured  the  pains 
of  death  on  the  cross, — if  he  directed  his  chief  attention  to  the 
same  subject  after  his  resurrection,  while  he  conversed  with 
his  disciples  on  earth — then,  we  may  infer,  that  he  still  bears 
his  people  on  his  heart.  But  we  are  not  left  to  inference ; we 
have  positive  proof,  that  the  salvation  of  his  purchased  flock 
is  the  object  which  he  is  continually  promoting  before  his  Fa- 
ther’s throne.  The  case  of  every  one  of  them  he  presents  in  his 
prevalent  intercessions.  And  in  the  exercise  of  his  mediatorial 


23 


government,  he  protects,  guides,  and  comforts  every  one  of  his 
sheep  and  lambs.  The  character  given  of  Him  by  Isaiah,  he 
still  verifies.  “ He  shall  feed  his  flock  like  a shepherd,  he 
shall  carry  the  lambs  in  his  bosom,  and  gently  lead  those  that 
are  with  young.”  The  situation  which  he  occupies  is  the 
best  possible  for  exercising  a general  superintendence  over  all 
his  people,  and  providing  for  all  their  wants. 

The  opinion  of  Christ’s  reigning  personally  and  visibly 
upon  earth  before  the  day  of  judgment,  which  at  an  early  pe- 
riod of  the  church  prevailed,  and  which  has  been  zealously 
revived  in  our  day  by  the  prophetic  men  of  Great  Britain,  is 
destitute  of  all  solid  foundation.  In  that  case,  he  must,  as  when 
formerly  upon  earth,  take  up  his  residence  in  some  particular 
country,  where,  to  the  churches  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
globe,  he  would  be  as  invisible  and  inaccessible  as  he  is  while 
seated  at  the  right  hand  of  God.  The  same  reasons  which 
rendered  it  expedient  for  Him  to  leave  this  world,  and  ascend 
to  heaven,  still  exist  in  all  their  force,  for  his  continuing  there. 
Faith  does  not  require  that  its  object  be  visible  to  sense  : it 
is  the  property  of  faith  to  see  those  things  which  are  invisible, 
and  the  greatest  blessing  is  not  to  those  who  have  seen  and 
believed,  but  to  those  who  have  not  seen,  and  yet  have  be- 
lieved. 

Thence  he  sends  down  the  Comforter,  who  never  leaves 
them,  but  abides  with  them  forever.  And  for  their  edification 
he  hath  established  numerous  helps  and  means  to  aid  them  in 
making  good  their  way  to  heaven.  In  particular,  he  has  in- 
stituted the  ministry  of  reconciliation.  When  he  ascended 
up  on  high,  he  gave  gifts  unto  men : “ Some  apostles,  and 
some  prophets,  and  some  evangelists,  and  some  pastors  and 
teachers,  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ,  till  we  all 
come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith  and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son 
of  God,  unto  a perfect  man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stature 
of  the  fulness  of  Christ.”  To  each  of  these  under-shepherds 


24 


he  gives  commandment,  “ Feed  my  Lambs,  Feed  my  Sheep  ;” 
and  his  eyes,  which  are  like  a flame  of  fire,  are  ever  on  these 
watchmen.  He  sees  how  every  one  fulfils  his  duty  as  a pastor 
or  evangelist.  He  takes  notice  of  all  their  exertions,  and 
scrutinizes  all  their  motives.  If  they  are  found  faithful,  he 
will  not  fail  to  encourage  and  prosper  them.  “ Lo,”  says  He, 
“ I am  with  you  always,  to  the  end  of  the  world and  when 
our  work  is  done,  he  will  express  his  approbation  of  every 
faithful  servant,  in  a manner  which  will  astonish  them.  He 
will  say,  “ Well  done  good  and  faithful  servant,  enter  into  the 
joy  of  your  Lord,”  and  will  exalt  them  to  such  glory  and  feli- 
city, as  it  is  not  now  in  their  power  to  form  an  idea  of.  But  he 
also  follows  with  a keen  eye  of  displeasure,  all  slothful,  un- 
faithful, and  self-seeking  pastors.  And  O ! how  he  will  resent 
their  neglect  of  his  beloved  sheep  and  lambs,  at  a future  day. 
Dreadful  will  be  the  retribution,  when  unfaithful  ministers 
shall  be  called  to  give  an  account  of  their  stewardship.  Much 
is  committed  to  their  care  and  fidelity.  They  are  the  “ light 
of  the  world,”  and  the  “ salt  of  the  earth ;”  but  if  their  own 
light  be  darkness,  and  the  salt  become  insipid,  how  miserable 
is  the  situation  of  those  for  whom  they  are  appointed  to 
watch ! 

Dear  brethren,  let  us  remember  that  our  time  of  exertion 
will  soon  be  over ; the  day  of  reckoning  must  soon  come  to 
us  as  well  as  others.  Let  us  deal  honestly  with  our  own 
souls,  and  detect  and  condemn  our  own  negligence  and  un- 
faithfulness, and  be  more  engaged  in  our  appropriate  work, 
than  we  have  ever  yet  been.  Many  of  Christ’s  sheep  are  yet  in 
the  wilderness.  They  have  never  yet  heard  one  call  from  the 
Shepherd’s  voice.  Many  for  whom  we  ought  to  entertain 
lively  hopes  that  they  are  of  the  destined  number  of  the  Re- 
deemer’s flock,  are  still  among  us,  wandering  in  devious  and 
dangerous  ways.  Can  nothing  more  than  has  been  attempted 
be  done  to  reclaim  them  ? Many  of  them  are  the  children  of 
the  church,  who  have  the  badge  of  discipleship  upon  them. 


25 


Do  pastors  deal  with  such,  with  sufficient  earnestness  and 
tenderness  ? Do  they  bear  them  on  their  hearts  before  the 
mercy  seat,  as  the  great  High  Priest  bears  all  his  sheep  ? Is 
there  among  us  no  remissness,  no  forgetfulness,  no  turning 
aside  to  vain  jangling,  no  undue  attachment  to  the  world? 
While  we  preach  to  others,  and  are  ready  enough,  perhaps,  to 
denounce  upon  them  the  terrors  of  the  Lord,  are  we  not  cold 
and  formal  and  insensible,  too  often  living  far  from  God,  with- 
out free  access  to  his  presence,  or  enjoyment  of  fellowship  with 
him. 

2.  When  I see  before  me  so  many  of  the  Alumni  of  our  belov- 
ed Seminary,  I am  conscious  of  various  and  strong  emotions. 
In  the  number,  I observe  some  who  were  among  Qur  earliest 
pupils,  who  can  no  longer  be  addressed  as  young  men.  Mid- 
dle age  has  been  reached,  and  gray  hairs  already  begin  to 
appear,  and  furnish  the  solemn  admonition,  that  life  is  on  the 
wing;  and  that  ere  we  are  aware,  old  age  is  coming  on 
apace. 

When  I look  over  the  list  of  students,  who  were  once 
connected  with  the  Seminary,  I cannot  avoid  an  impression  of 
deep  sorrow,  upon  observing  how  the  ranks  have  been  thinned 
by  the  relentless  hand  of  death.  For  several  years  after  the 
Seminary  was  in  operation,  it  was  often  a subject  of  remark, 
that  not  an  individual  of  our  number,  had  been  taken  away  by 
death ; but  now,  after  the  lapse  of  twenty-two  years,  I find, 
upon  examination,  that  the  number  of  students,  who  have 
deceased,  amounts  to  more  than  sixty.  Yes,  it  is  a solemn 
fact,  that  more  than  sixty  of  the  Alumni  of  the  institution, 
have  been  snatched  away  from  their  earthly  labours  ! Some, 
indeed,  were  cut  down  before  they  had  entered  on  their  pub- 
lic work ; while  others  were  permitted  to  preach  the  gospel 
successfully  for  a number  of  years.  The  fact  which  has  now 
been  stated,  cannot  fail  to  be  received  by  you  who  survive,  as 
a solemn  admonition  to  be  ready  also ; as  “ you  know  not  the 
day  nor  the  hour”  when  your  Master  will  call  for  you,  to 

4 


26 


render  up  an  “ account  of  your  stewardship.”  Another  grave 
lesson  which  it  teaches,  is,  that  you  should  work  while  the 
day  lasts,  as  the  night  rapidly  approaches,  when  no  work  can 
be  done.  “ Whatever  your  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  with 
your  might.”  When  this  short  span  is  gone  over,  there  will 
be  no  possibility  of  returning  to  correct  the  errors,  or  com- 
pensate for  the  defects  of  your  ministry.  If  we  could  only 
appreciate  the  value  of  our  time  and  opportunities  of  useful- 
ness, what  energy  would  it  not  communicate  to  our  efforts ! 
Permit  me  then,  in  the  view  of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty 
of  life,  to  exhort  you  most  earnestly  to  exert  all  your  faculties, 
and  improve  all  your  opportunities,  to  promote  the  kingdom 
of  your  Lord  and  Saviour.  “ Be  fervent  in  spirit,”  constant 
in  affection,  wise  in  your  plans,  and  indefatigable  in  your 
labours.  Some  of  you  may  have  what  the  world  would  call 
a hard  lot.  You  may  be  subjected  to  many  privations,  and 
to  heavy  toils,  in  obscure  stations ; where,  separated  from 
polished  and  enlightened  society,  and  even  from  much  inter- 
course with  your  brethren,  your  hearts  may  become  discour- 
aged, and  you  may  feel  as  if  you  were  forgotten  by  all ; but 
remember,  that  however  you  may  live  unnoticed  by  men, 
there  is  One  whose  watchful  eye  never  loses  sight  of  you,  and 
whose  sympathizing  heart  bears  a part  in  all  your  sorrows. 
There  is  One,  who  has  promised,  that  he  “ will  never  leave 
you  nor  forsake  you,”  and  that  he  will  “ be  with  you  always, 
even  to  the  end  of  the  world.”  This  friend,  “ who  sticketh 
closer  than  a brother,”  has  power  as  well  as  compassion ; and 
has  pledged  his  word,  that  all  things  shall  work  together  for 
good,  to  them  who  love  him.  And  in  due  season,  he  will 
reward  you  openly,  for  all  the  sufferings  and  labours  endured 
for  his  sake. 

3.  As  you  are  now  met  to  renew  your  feelings  of  mutual 
friendship,  and  to  revive  your  affection  towards  our  beloved  Se- 
minary, I would  call  to  your  remembrance  some  of  the  objects 
contemplated  by  the  founders  of  this  institution,  as  expressed 


27 


in  the  Plan  which  you  often  heard  read  when  students.  These 
objects  are,  “ To  furnish  our  congregations  with  enlightened, 
humble,  zealous,  laborious  pastors,  who  shall  truly  watch  for 
the  good  of  souls,  and  consider  it  as  their  highest  honour  and 
happiness,  to  win  them  to  the  Saviour,  and  to  build  up  their 
several  charges  in  holiness  and  peace.”  “ To  promote  har- 
mony and  unity  of  sentiment  among  the  ministers  of  our 
church,  by  educating  a large  body  of  them  under  the  same 
teachers,  and  under  the  same  course  of  study.”  “To  preserve 
the  unity  of  our  church,  by  educating  her  ministers  in  an  en- 
lightened attachment,  not  only  to  the  same  doctrines,  but  to 
the  same  plan  of  government.”  These  important  and  desir- 
able ends,  it  is  your  solemn  duty  to  promote ; and,  perhaps, 
the  responsibility  was  never  greater  on  any  ministers  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  than  on  those  of  you  who  are  now  mem- 
bers of  her  supreme  judicatory.  The  crisis  is  most  interest- 
ing. Much,  very  much,  depends  upon  the  decisions  of  this 
body,  at  the  present  sessions.  It  does  not  behoove  me  to  dic- 
tate, or  even  suggest  to  you,  what  in  particular  should  be 
done  ; but  it  is  right  that  I should  exhort  you  to  lay  aside  all 
prejudice,  passion,  and  party  spirit,  and  with  sincere  and  hon- 
est hearts,  in  the  fear  of  God,  to  consult  and  act  for  the  real 
welfare  and  best  interests  of  our  beloved  Zion,  as  you  will 
answer  for  it  at  the  tribunal  of  Jesus  Christ,  before  which  we 
must  all  soon  appear.  If  now,  while  the  ark  of  God  is  in  your 
keeping,  you  should  give  it  a wrong  touch  : if  your  measures 
should  tend  to  destroy  the  purity,  disturb  the  peace,  or  break 
the  unity  of  this  extended  section  of  the  Christian  church, 
how  awful  your  accountability.  If  through  any  want  of 
wisdom  or  fidelity  on  your  part,  this  well-organized  society, 
should  fall  into  dissension  or  disunion,  what  a triumph  will 
you  afford  to  the  enemies  of  our  common  Christianity,  and  to 
those  religious  sects,  which  cherish  feelings  of  envy  and  jealou- 
sy towards  the  Presbyterian  Church.  The  enlightened  friends 
of  religious  liberty  in  Great  Britain,  have  their  attention  in- 


28 


tensely  fixed  on  the  important  experiment  which  we  are  en- 
gaged in  making  in  this  country,  whether  the  church  can  exist 
and  flourish,  without  a connexion  with  the  state ; and  as  our 
denomination  is  among  the  largest  and  most  influential,  they 
are  observing  our  progress  with  deep  interest,  and  shall  we, 
by  our  ill-timed  dissensions  and  innovations,  dash  all  their  fond 
hopes,  and  cause  them  with  sadness  to  admit  the  necessity  of 
a religious  establishment  ? Even  the  Protestants  of  Germany, 
are  at  this  time  observing,  with  excited  interest,  the  acts  and 
proceedings  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  America,  not  only 
as  furnishing  a solution  of  the  grand  problem,  that  religion  can 
exist  and  flourish,  without  the  aid  of  the  support  and  coercion 
of  civil  enactments,  but  also  because  in  settling  their  own 
church  polity,  many  of  the  most  evangelical  of  their  ministers, 
are  disposed  to  look  to  us  as  a model  of  the  wisest  eccle- 
siastical organization.  Shall  we  disappoint  the  raised  expec- 
tations of  them  also  ? 

The  interest  which  our  dissenting  Brethren  of  the  Congre- 
gational Union,  in  England,  take  in  the  progress  and  condi- 
tion of  the  American  churches,  is  manifested,  not  merely  by 
the  report  of  others,  but  by  a delegation  which  have  reached 
our  shores,  and  have  already  expressed  in  strong  and  affec- 
tionate terms,  the  sentiments  and  sympathies  of  this  large  and 
respectable  body  of  orthodox,  evangelical  Christians.  This 
fraternal  communion  of  churches,  separated  by  the  wide 
ocean,  is  truly  delightful,  and  affords  a happy  anticipation  of 
that  blessed  time,  when  all  the  real  members  of  Christ’s 
household,  too  long  sundered  from  each  other  by  misapprehen- 
sion and  sprejudice,  shall  be  united  in  one  holy  family ; one 
pure  church,  which  shall  acknowledge  “ one  Lord,  one  faith, 
one  baptism,”  and  shall  ever  “ keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in 
the  bond  of  peace.”  May  these  beloved  brethren  who  are 
now  among  us,  be  privileged  to  carry  back  to  their  native 
country,  such  a report  of  our  ecclesiastical  state,  as  will  cause 
the  hearts  of  God’s  people  in  the  land  of  our  forefathers,  to 
rejoice. 


29 


4.  Dear  friends,  and  once  beloved  as  pupils,  advancing  age 
and  debilitated  health  admonish  me  that  my  continuance 
here  will  probably  not  be  long.  My  race  is  nearly  run,  and 
if  it  would  tend  to  edification,  I could  fill  your  ears  with  lam- 
entations, that  I have  felt  so  little  and  laboured  so  imperfectly 
for  the  honour  of  the  Redeemer.  But  I forbear  to  dwell  on 
this  sorrowful  theme.  In  regard  to  myself,  I have  only  to  ask 
an  interest  in  your  daily  prayers.  Most  of  you  will  probably 
see  my  face  no  more  after  our  parting  on  this  occasion.  As 
my  closing  exhortation,  therefore,  I would  say,  “ Trust  in  the 
Lord  and  do  good.”  Be  faithful,  be  diligent,  be  humble,  be 
zealous  for  the  truth  and  honour  of  God.  Seek  the  wisdom 
which  cometh  from  above,  and  which  God  has  promised  to 
give  to  the  prayer  of  faith.  Love  one  another  and  pray  for 
one  another.  Remember  also  continually  in  your  supplica- 
tions those  who  are  preparing  to  follow  you  into  the  ministry ; 
especially  bear  on  your  hearts  before  the  Throne  of  Grace,  the 
Seminary  which  you  love,  and  the  dear  youth  who  are  there 
collected  in  successive  companies.  And  surely  I need  not 
exhort  you  to  remember  Zion.  Her  very  dust  and  stones,  I 
trust,  are  precious  in  your  eyes,  and  her  prosperity  you  esteem 
above  your  chief  joy.  But  the  times  in  which  your  lot  is 
cast  are  characterized  by  peculiar  and  striking  signs,  which 
it  behooves  you  carefully  to  observe.  The  cry  for  help  from 
afar  is  borne  to  you  almost  on  every  breeze.  The  demand 
for  the  messengers  of  truth  begins  to  be  made  by  the  heathen 
themselves.  The  door  for  preaching  the  gospel  is,  in  the 
providence  of  God,  opened  in  almost  every  pagan  land.  The 
islands  of  the  sea  have  already,  many  of  them,  been  converted 
unto  God,  and  have  received  in  their  own  tongues,  the  law  of 
the  Lord.  Many  are  running  to  and  fro  and  knowledge  is 
increased  among  the  people.  The  church  begins  to  feel  her 
responsibility,  and  to  be  conscious  of  her  power.  At  the  same 
time  the  enemy  comes  in  like  a flood  ; let  it  be  your  care  that 
the  standard  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  be  lifted  up  against 


30 


him.  Satan  rages  with  more  than  wonted  fury,  because  he 
perceives,  that  his  time  is  short.  Christ,  the  King,  has  need 
of  every  talent  which  any  of  you  possesses.  He  that  has  ten 
talents,  and  he  that  has  one,  are  equally  required  to  occupy 
and  improve  them  to  the  utmost ; and  every  poor  service  per- 
formed in  faith  and  sincerity,  shall  meet  a divine  reward. 
Let  no  discouragement,  nor  distrust,  in  relation  to  the  church, 
find  a place  in  any  of  your  minds.  The  cause  is  God’s  and 
he  is  able  to  maintain  it,  and  has  sworn  that  it  shall  never  fail. 
The  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  the  church,  for  it 
is  founded  on  a rock.  Be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power 
of  his  might.  Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith.  Watch  for  souls 
as  they  that  must  give  an  account.  Care  only  for  the  things 
of  Christ,  and  nothing  for  your  own  things.  If  you  make  it 
your  first  and  great  business  to  seek  the  kingdom  of  God,  all 
other  things  shall  be  added  unto  you.  What  may  not  you, 
who  are  now  before  me,  and  others  of  like  character,  effect 
for  the  building  up  of  the  waste  places  of  Zion,  and  for  the 
conversion  of  the  world  ! Permit  me  then  to  conclude  in  the 
valedictory  address  of  Paul  to  the  Corinthians.  “ Finally, 

BRETHREN,  FAREWELL.  Be  PERFECT,  BE  OF  GOOD  COMFORT,  BE 
OF  ONE  MIND,  LIVE  IN  PEACE,  AND  THE  God  OF  LOVE  AND  PEACE 
SHALL  BE  WITH  YOU.” 


Joseph  & William  Kite,  Printers. 


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